Retail Merchandise Recovery Associate

Goodwill is one of the leading non-profit brands in the world and one of the largest non-profits in Southern California. We are a rapidly evolving organization and yet we have never been more focused on our Mission, on our people, and on our future. It’s always a GOOD day in SoCal! 

Support Operational Excellence and Help Maximize Goodwill’s Impact.

Goodwill Southern California is seeking a Retail Merchandise Recovery Associate to support merchandise quality control, recovery, and operational consistency across our retail system. This warehouse-based role plays a key part in maximizing revenue, improving product flow, and ensuring merchandise is properly allocated to the right sales channels — all contributing directly to our mission of Transforming Lives Through the Power of Work.

What You’ll Do:

Merchandise Evaluation & Recovery

• Inspect merchandise and Mobile Unit Transports (MUTs) before they reach the Outlet to identify sellable or brand-name items suitable for return to retail stores.

• Build and maintain “second-chance” MUTs for redistribution back to stores.

Process & Compliance Review

• Review labeling, tagging, and assembly of MUTs for accuracy and consistency.

• Document process errors through written notes and photos; report findings to retail leadership to support training and process improvement.

Reporting & Communication

• Use company-issued devices to complete reports, upload images, and communicate recovery findings.

• Maintain organized records of recovered merchandise, errors, and trends.

Safety & Operational Support

• Follow all established safety protocols and use required PPE.

• Work independently while demonstrating accountability, accuracy, and attention to detail.

What You Bring:

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Basic English reading, writing, and speaking abilities.

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions consistently.

• Some retail, warehouse, or production experience helpful.

• Ability to work with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.

• Safety-conscious mindset and strong attention to detail.

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

• Ability to use an iPhone or tablet to take photos, send messages, and complete basic digital forms.

• Reliable, punctual, and committed to Goodwill’s RISE values: Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence.

Why You’ll Love It Here:

• Make a direct impact by helping recover valuable merchandise and reduce waste.

• Support store performance and mission revenue through quality control and recovery efforts.

• Join a values-based team with opportunities for growth across Retail and Supply Chain pathways.

• Work in a mission-driven environment where your contributions support job creation and community programs.

Join our Retail Operations team and help ensure every donation reaches its highest purpose — supporting our mission and strengthening our community.

Goodwill Industries in Southern California is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here:

Goodwill gives preferential consideration to persons with barriers to employment.   Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Goodwill is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees. 

Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Immigration and Nationality Act, and any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.  

Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disabilities

In furtherance of our commitment to end discrimination against qualified disabled individuals, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all regulations properly issued thereunder to protect the rights of qualified disabled persons, it is Goodwill's policy that no program or activity administered by it shall exclude from participation, deny benefits to or subject to discrimination any individual solely by reason of his or her disability.   Equal employment opportunity will be extended to qualified disabled persons in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, upgrading, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall and termination.   We further affirm that we will provide reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified disabled employee or applicant.  

It is the policy of Goodwill to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment.  If you need assistance for accommodations to interview because of a disability, please notify the Human Resources Department. 

Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a disability.